Resolution #21

Legal Defense Fund Usage to Include PA 312 Costs

Whereas:	The Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union (MPFFU) established a Legal Defense Fund for specific purposes, and

Whereas:	Affiliated Locals can only access the funds from the Legal Defense fund under certain conditions that currently exclude costs due to a PA 312 Contract Arbitration, and 

Whereas:	The cost of a PA 312 Arbitration has continued to increase, putting financial pressure on our affiliate locals, and 

Whereas:	The MPFFU recognizes that a PA 312 Arbitration is a large expense for any affiliate Local to undertake, and

Whereas:	As of December 1, 2025, only one Local has ever qualified to access the fund, and

Whereas:	The MPFFU recognizes that all IAFF Locals in the MPFFU are stronger standing together than standing alone, therefore be it

Resolved:	That the MPFFU Legal Defense Fund be modified to allow for affiliated locals engaged in a PA 312 Contract Arbitration to apply for a grant of up to $20,000 to help reimburse their local’s legal expenses associated with the PA 312 Contract Arbitration, or specific components within a 312 Arbitration determined to be beneficial to the MPFFU and its members, and be it further

Resolved:	That the funding level be held steady at fifty cents ($0.50) per member per month, and be further

Resolved:	That Article 13 Section 2 paragraph 1 of the Constitution and Bylaws be replaced with the following language: “Effective July 1, 2026, fifty cents ($0.50) per member, per month shall be designated to the MPFFU Legal Defense Fund. The purpose of this fund is to support locals with the legal expenses for issues that may impact union protected rights and certain PA 312 Contract Arbitration issues, such as, but not limited to: PA 312 rights, safety issues, pensions, retiree healthcare, and certain PA 312 Contract Arbitration issues. PA 312 Contract Arbitration issues shall include issues with staffing, lowering of work hours, maintaining or getting a defined benefit plan, MERP or other retiree healthcare plans, and any special circumstances determined by the MPFFU Executive Board.” And be it further, 
		
Resolved:	That Article 13 Section 2 paragraph 3 of the Constitution and Bylaws have the following sentences added at the end of the paragraph: “Requests for assistance from this fund for costs associated with a PA 312 Contract Arbitration shall be limited to an amount of up to twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) every three years per affiliated local. The Local must first request assistance through their respective District Vice President with the final review done by the MPFFU Executive Board at a scheduled meeting. Proof of expenses must be submitted prior to the MPFFU Executive Board taking action. If at any time the funding level of the Legal Defense Fund falls below one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) then an increase of fifty cents ($0.50), for a total of one dollar ($1) per member shall be designated to the Legal Defense Fund until such time the fund balance is over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000).” And be it further,
 
Resolved:	That funds released for PA 312 Arbitration cases will be dispersed with the expectation that the Local fully proceeds though to an Arbitration award. Funds shall be released upon approval of the MPFFU Executive Board, and be it finally,

Resolved:	That the MPFFU Executive Board execute a comprehensive policy for the approval and disbursement of the funds that includes a requirement that the requesting Local’s President meet with their DVP to review the negotiation process and issues prior to requesting any funds. 

Submitted by:	

Jeffrey Lentz, President Dearborn Local 412 
Allen Park Local 1410
Lincoln Park Fire Fighters Association, Local 1292

Cost Factor:  Zero

Committee Assigned to: Constitution and Bylaws 

Committee Recommendation: ADOPT (as amended)

Convention Action: